More than 40 students, faculty, staff and community members gathered on Oct. 21 at Schrock Plaza for a candlelight vigil to honor victims of domestic violence and show support

for survivors.

This event was organized in partnership with YWCA North Central Indiana and included a moment of silence, the lighting of candles and the reading of names of people who lost their lives because of domestic violence

in Indiana. 

“For a first year doing this event, it was a good turnout,” said Patty Hartshorn, GC’s director of health and wellness and

Title IX coordinator. 

Although hosting the event during fall break meant many students could not attend the vigil in person, they found other ways to show their support. Some students painted luminaries beforehand that were displayed during the event as a mark of solidarity.

“It gave them an opportunity to say, ‘We are here, we stand by you and we are a light in the darkness for you,’” Hartshorn said. 

The candlelight vigil brought together campus and community members to show the impact of domestic violence and remind survivors that they are not alone and support is available. The gathering was an opportunity to make GC’s commitment to advocacy more visible.

“Goshen College is incredibly committed to our surrounding community,” Hartshorn said. “It moves beyond a classroom topic to being a sharper reality.”

Amy Hill, CEO of YWCA North Central Indiana, highlighted the impact of domestic violence across Indiana and the importance of connecting the right resources to the survivors. In 2025, 100 people died as a direct result of domestic violence, and this year the state is on track to exceed that number. 

Organizers encouraged attendees to listen to survivors, offer support and help them connect with the right resources.

Autumn McCully, a vice president of YWCA North Central Indiana, highlighted that raising awareness is central to the organization’s mission.

“Just really being present and standing with victims and letting them know that there is a place, there is somebody who cares,”  McCully said. 

McCully emphasized that the YWCA offers more support than emergency shelter. Its services include support groups, counseling, classes, help obtaining protective orders and safety planning. The YWCA encourages students who may be experiencing abuse or know someone who is to speak up without fear of

any judgement. 

“When they come to us, all we are going to say is, ‘We believe in you and how can we help you?’” McCully said. 

The event also connected with Prevention Intervention Network, a student-led organization on GC campus.  PIN promotes education, awareness and action around interpersonal violence. 

The candlelight vigil was intended not only to remember those who died but also to offer hope to survivors and encourage continued activities against domestic violence. The YWCA encouraged attendees to share information about their services with anyone who would benefit from their support.

Rose Snyder, a sophomore sociology major who attended the vigil, said, “I think that the fact that we got so much

publicity shows that the media is listening to Goshen College and what we are doing, and I think that hosting a candlelight vigil was really powerful.” 

More information and ways to support survivors of domestic violence can be found from YWCA North Central Indiana. Additional campus resources

are available through the Title IX office.